Sociology analyzes social facts to understand the way particular social functions. As Conley rightfully emphasized, sociology may come to the obvious conclusion (Norton Sociology). Still, more importantly, it may bring a new perspective to ordinary things and make an individual realize something obvious. According to Emile Durkheim, social facts are patterns of how people think, feel, and behave (“Emile Durkheim on Suicide & Society”). The patterns are external to the individual, and they are driven by external coercive power. In this regard, it is pretty evident that gender and race are social facts.
Race and gender are associated with psychological and cultural distinctions, which attribute to one group only. Besides, race and gender influence individuals’ social location (“What is Sociology”), and this fact proves that particular societies have evolved external patterns dedicated to these classes. These patterns exercise coercive power, as an individual might follow them even if they do not share these views. For instance, genders dress differently for various occasions, and these customs have been fostered in them by society, and their environment has shaped even their tastes. Additionally, multiple ethnicities represent different cultures with their marks, so they are easily perceived in society. Consequently, race and gender become specific social facts that shape society and are shaped by it.
My Perception of Sociology
Before the course, I have perceived sociology as a tool to observe society and mark its current tendencies. Now I see its empirical and practical potential and understand the need to master a “sociological perspective.” The idea I find interesting is that sociology derived from “twin concerns of inequality and the order of French Revolution” (Charon 12). I believe the reason for grounding sociology summarizes its primary objective – to understand the way society works and how people can make it better. I will turn back to this quote as I learn to analyze social patterns and orders to put knowledge to practice.
Works Cited
Charon, Joel. The Meaning of Sociology. Prentice Hall, 1998.
“What is Sociology? Sociology CrashCourse.” YouTube, uploaded by CrashCourse, 2017. Web.
“Isn’t sociology just the study of the painfully obvious?” YouTube, uploaded by Norton Sociology, 2011. Web.
“Émile Durkheim on Suicide & Society.” YouTube, uploaded by CrashCourse, 2017. Web.